province news notes january 2012

8/12/2019 Province News Notes January 2012

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Provinceews otesNews NotesSISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET AND ASSOCIATES ST. LOUIS PROVINCE JANUARY 2012

I have seen your light.


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Page 2 January 2012 PNN

Province News Notes is a publication ofthe Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis

Province. Its purpose is to promote dialogueand unity within the St. Louis Province and to

keep members informed on those subjects thatpromote community and ministry.

We welcome your submissions. Please submit

articles and photos to Sarah Baker (e-mailpreferred to [email protected]). Materials are

subject to editing and will be published at thediscretion of the editor.

STAFF

JENNYBEATRICE

Editor

SARAHBAKER

Graphic Design

SUSANNARROWANDPRINTSHOPVOLUNTEERS

Production, printing and mailing

S. JANEBEHLMANN

S. AUDREYOLSONS. CHARLINESULLIVAN

Proofreading

ProvinceNews NotesJanuary 2012

S S. J C

S. L P

6400 Minnesota AvenueSt. Louis, Missouri 63111

314-481-8800

www.csjsl.org

Insi d e thi s I s su e

On the Cover: Presentation of the Lord/Candlemas

Pray with us each month online at csjsl.org as we bring you a prayer corresponding to a featured pieceof art from the motherhouse relating to a feast or holy day of that month, as highlighted in the 2012province calendar.

In February we honor the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus, often called Candlemas. At the temple, theholy man Simeon took the child Jesus in his arms praising God saying, I have seen your light.

ContentsProvince Leadership Message ....................................................................3

Wisdom Circle ..............................................................................................4

Steering Committee .....................................................................................5

Association .....................................................................................................6

Gleanings from Senior Ministry .................................................................7

Vocation/Formation .................................................................................. 8-9

Carondelet Chronicles ..............................................................................10

Liturgy ...........................................................................................................11

Justice ............................................................................................................12

Meeting Our Ancestors .............................................................................13CSJ Spirituality .............................................................................................14

Face of the Motherhouse..........................................................................15

Calendars ......................................................................................................16

Fiat House Community ReflectionPage 8wo members of the Fiat House, Aisa Rocha and DeannaMolosky, reflect on Gods path for them in the world and atthe Fiat House.

Face of the MotherhousePages 15Meet the newest member of the St. Louis province staff,Van Farrington, bookkeeper/personnel administrator.She tells us about her family, her hobbies of sewing andgardening, and her enjoyment of working for/with the CSJs.


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www.csjsl.org Page 3

Editors Notesby Jenny Beatrice

What Wonders

We Have Seen!from Province Leadershipby Sister Jean Meier

Province Leaders: (Back) Srs. Pat Giljum, Jean Meier, Patty Clune andLiz Brown. (Front) Srs. Suzanne Wesley, Helen Flemington and Nancy

Corcoran.

Along the journey comes times of pausing, or surprise,of wonder at what we discover on the way. We may be sointent on what lies ahead that we find ourselves occasionallyamazed by one who has journeyed toward us, who meets usby chance or by purpose with a word, a gesture, a touch wemost need to receive. Epiphany is such a time. In the midst

of the journey we pause to ponder, to listen, to marvel at theways God appears to us.*

Just a few short weeks ago, we were in the Advent journey,waiting in anticipation of the One who would come to showus the way. In more recent days, we were caught up in thewonder of Christmas, the joy of celebrating Emmanuel. Wewept with gratitude and joy as some of our newest sistersaints celebrated their first Christmas in the company of theangels. Tey are our own wise women, showing us the wayto the Promised One.

Now we are once again in the silence of winter days, a goodtime for pondering the surprising ways in which God haschosen to come to us. We surely see God in the celebrationsof this 175th anniversary of our coming to this land. We areblessed by many visitors, friends, neighbors who have beentouched by the charism, which remains alive among us.We see that spirit grow in our associates who continue toenrich the Community of St. Joseph by their lives of faithfulcommitment and generous service.

We are engaging with one another in contemplation of ourrich history and of our mysterious future as we continue theprocess given to us by the Core Group of the congregation.We are setting our sights on a future filled with hope aswe dream new dreams, trying always to be attentive to thesurprising ways that God comes to us.

We invite you to look within and around you, to pray with

these questions during the weeks ahead: What evokeswonder for you? How is God surprising you? What are youlearning along the way?

Open my eyes, my hands, my arms, my heartto know your appearing and to celebratethe flesh-shaped mystery of Emmanuel,God with us. *Sacred Journeys by Jan L. Richardson (1995)

My Epiphany celebration came earlythis season.

In the days before Christmas, my uncle

was hospitalized in Washington D.C.Eager to get there, my mother and Iplanned and re-planned our departuremany times, lost in our anxiety. Finally,on Christmas Eve, my wise husbandset us straight. "What are you twowaiting for? Get going!"

Tat evening, after a quick giftexchange with the family, we beganthe 14+ hour drive. Fueled bydetermination, we drove for 12

hours straight on the lonely roads ofKentucky and West Virginia. Tedarkness was deep, stars dimmed bymountain fog.

As I tried to keep my eyes open, I keptmy mind on the Tree Wise Men and

their long journey through the night.Te Magi became my back seat drivers,guiding me forward and cheering meon mile after mile.

So thanks to four wise men, we arrivedat the hospital bearing gifts of presencepeace and love, all shining brightly inperfect light.


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Our Pre ferred Future Togethe r

Wisdom Circle Task Force ReportOngoing discussion regarding associates in the St. Louis provinceby Sister Ann Pace

Te task force formed from the wisdom circle onassociation presents the final article that will be used inpreparation for the 2012 spring sectionals. Tis articlefocuses on identity and communication and touches on afew additional topics. Te responses are the findings of thetask force.

1. Identity

a. Why are some sisters resistant to associates andinclusivity?

One reason is the lack of knowledge of the associateprogram and unfamiliarity with associates.

b. Why is there variety/diversity throughout thecongregation regarding associates?It depends on the culture of the unit. Sisters are alsodiverse. Te associate director further explains thatthere are slight differences based on the history ofassociation in the unit, the geography of the area, andfull or part-time directors.

c. Does the history of associates call forth the history

of the CSJs?Yes, and vice-versa.

2. Communication

a. How do we help some sisters understand theassociate program better?By having those sisters become involved with theassociates and the program.

b. How can we relate more closely with associates?Tere is a desire for more understanding betweenassociates and vowed members. Te steeringcommittee of this wisdom circle is preparing a forumfor this discussion at the sectionals.

3. Other

a. Does geography prohibit associates fromconnecting?It does prohibit associates sometimes who do not livein close proximity with other associates or sisters.Te associate offi ce is working on developing an on-line associate community.

b. Will the associates take over the community?We do not know where the Spirit is leading us. Te

associates will never take our place. Tey are partnerswith us striving to live out the charism.

c. Why are not all of the sisters invited to theAssociate Assembly?Mainly because it is held in St. Josephs Hall atCarondelet and there is not enough room. Sisterswho are members of an associate community areinvited to attend. o remedy this situation, the taskforce proposes that at the annual assembly in thesummer, Fridays session be divided into two sections,one for sisters and one for associates. Saturday and

Sunday would then be a meeting of the whole.d. Is there anything in Canon Law regarding

associates?Tird orders and societies of the faithful are found inCanon Law but association is too new to be writteninto law. Law follows function.

Te ask Force:Sisters Elizabeth Ahrens, Lillian Baumann,Catherine Durr, Patricia Flavin, Margaret Gregg, Mary AnnHilgeman, Audrey Olson and Ann Pace - chair


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Continuing Our

Journey Together

by the Steering CommitteeA Bit of History

When we were founded in LePuy in 1650, no distinctions weremade among those women who were drawn together to serve aworld in need. United by their common purpose and Christs prayerthat all may be one, they came from various parts of the city,representing different classes in society, with diverse gifts. Centralto their relationship was prayer and sharing of the heart with oneanother. In 1975 the General Chapter blessed the experience ofassociation that the province began in 1974 with the formation of

the first associate community.

Now What?

In response to the changing needs of our world and communityand the evolving partnership of sisters and associates the SteeringCommittee, formed from the February 2011 Wisdom Circle onRelations Within the Community of St. Joseph, met Nov. 10-13. As stated in the December PNN,the Steering Committeedesigned a process enabling us to move forward together. Happilywe discovered some of our questions resonated with the questionsbeing prepared by the Congregational Core Group. Te SteeringCommittee process begins with the Spring 2012 Sectionals,continues through the 2012 Province Assembly in July and readiesus for the next step at the Fall 2012 Sectionals.

We Need Your Help

In the spring sectional materials you will receive personal reflectionquestions with an individual response sheet. Please jot down yourthoughts on the response sheet, bring that sheet to share with yoursectional and give your individual response sheet to your facilitator.Tere will be no group response for this agenda item. If you areunable to attend your sectional, please send your response toyour facilitator or one of the steering committee members (listedbelow). Your individual thoughts are important to us. Te SteeringCommittee will collate individual responses, give a report anddescribe the next step of the process at the 2012 Province Assembly.Pray with us as we continue our journey together and ask our God,What would you have us do?

Steering Committee Members:Associates Santa Cuddihee, CathyHart, Peggy Maguire and Michelle Piranio, and Sisters Suzanne Giblin,Paulette Gladis, Judy Miller, Audrey Olson and Marilyn Peot.

Messages from

Province Leadership

Burial of Cremated Sister Saintsat Resurrection CemeteryOur sister saints who choose cremation willbe laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in thegraves located in the same row as the remaininggraves of 10 between the two memorials forsisters who have given their body to science.Each of these graves will include 10 sisters. Atorch and flame will be added to these gravestones symbolizing those cremated.

Sisters may not necessarily be in chronologicalorder from date of death depending on thesisters wishes for their final disposition.

o search for a deceased sister saint in our plots,visit the Archdiocese of St. Louis CatholicCemeteries database,www.archstl.org/cemeteries. Click BurialSearch listed on the bottom of the left-handmenu. It will bring you to a search form whereyou can enter the cemetery name, name of the

deceased and additional information to helpwith your search.

We are also adding a third monument for thosewho are giving their bodies to medical science. Itwill be located at the end of the same row as theremaining graves.

We hope this explanation will make findingthe grave of the sister you are looking for easier.If you have any questions, please contact S.Suzanne Wesley at 314-729-9843, 314-280-

8662 or [email protected].

Tank YouTank you for your Christmas greetings, Massremembrances, prayers and gifts. Tey are mostappreciated and we are grateful. May the newyear be filled with many blessings for each ofyou, and let us continue to hold each other inprayer.


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A s s o ci ati o n

Five associate candidates (l-r), Ken and Jessica (andbaby Levi) Mayo, Kristen Franke, Patti Kelly andCathy Hudspeth, were welcomed into the community asthey made their initial commitment as CSJ Associatesduring the Tanksgiving Prayer and CelebrationService on Nov. 20.

But What do Associates DO?

People often ask associates But what do you DO?Associates volunteer both as associate communities andas individuals in a variety of ministries and services. TeAssociate Committee on Volunteer Ministry Opportunitiesexists to identify, publicize and continually update volunteeropportunities.

In each issue of the PNN, the committee will answer thequestion of what associates do by telling about an associatecommunity or individual associate volunteer project. Tismonth we begin with the Mary Joseph Dillon Associate

Communitys volunteer service at Nazareth Living Center:

On Dec. 8 we had a Christmas party for the retiredSisters of St. Joseph and the lay community. Weprovided Christmas cupcakes and individual containers

with cookies and candy. We also had lively entertainment

with a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claussome ofthe folks even had their picture taken with them. Teretired community also joined us in singing Christmassongs and received door prizes. It was a lovely evening,a way to enjoy the festive season as well as show ourfriends how much we appreciate them.

Our volunteer activity reflects our charism of lovingunity since we are all about helping the dear neighborand those in need of special attention. Te Nazarethretired women have put in many hours of unselfish

labor throughout the years and we felt it would be akind gesture to give back to them a small bit of ourappreciation. Tis is also what Christ calls our associatesto do. In giving service to others it has strengthened ourassociates relationships both to each other and to God.

Associate Volunteer Ministry Opportunitiesfrom the Associate Volunteer Ministry Committee

The Kingsbury Ensemblepresents

SJessica Heuser, Christine Johnson, Elise LaBarge

withJohn Korak, baroque trumpet Ken Kulosa, cello

Marc Tayer and Rochelle Skolnick,violins

Maryse Carlin, harpsichord

Sunday, January 29 2:00 p.m.Carondelet Motherhouse

Works for 1, 2 and 3 voices by Luzzaschi, Rossi,Charpentier, Lully, Purcell and Handel

Admission for sisters is free.RSVP to 314-481-8800 or [email protected]

ickets available at the door:$15 general admission, $10 seniors, $5 students under 25

Visit www.kingsburyensemble.org for more information.


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Gleanings f rom Senior Ministry

Sister Bonnie Gleans...As I begin a new calendar year, I am very conscious of mycontinual aging process. Recently, I was asked to give myoral history for the Archives Department. Tis caused meto do a bit of reflection, taking a trip down memory laneand doing a lifes review.

My life has taken on the image of anhourglass, with more sands of my lifein the bottom than in the top. Ratherthan dwelling on the past or future, I

know that life happens in the tight neckof that instrument. Tats where I meetGod in the challenges and adventuresof each day.

What image reflects your aging process? What wisdomcould you share with your CSJ elders? Sister Joan Pitlykshared her reflection on being hearing impaired in abeautiful piece, entitled Ephphata. o read her reflection,go to the Senior Ministry Wisdom of Elderhood page inMembers Only at csjsl.org.

rish Gleans...

With the celebrations of Christmas and New Years Daybehind us, we begin to tackle those New Years resolutionsthat always seem to fade away as the year progresses.Popular resolutions often focus on some aspect ofimproving our health habits, i.e. lose weight, lower bloodpressure and reduce cholesterol.

Tere is a vast supply of recipes, suggestions, plans andstrategies available that often seem contradictory orcomplicated. I spent some time looking on the Internetfor suggestions on healthy eating and found an abundanceof resources44,100,000 to be exact. Of course, I didntexplore even a tenth of these but did come across a handfulof very helpful Web sites and periodicals.

Te Nutrition Action Healthletterand the EnvironmentalNutritionnewsletter are two of the most easily readand informative periodicals. Tey often include healthy

recipes, such as butternut squash with pumpkin seeds andcranberries. Both offer practical suggestions such as productcomparison lists with nutritional values and strategies formaking changes.

Te following are two Web sites that stood out in my searchof the virtual library:

Choose My Plate.govfrom the U.S. Dept. of Agricultureis very informative and includes interactive tools. One ofthe more interesting is MyPyramid racker, an onlinedietary and physical activity assessment tool that provides

information on ones diet quality, physical activity status,related nutrition messages, and links to nutrient andphysical activity information.

Your Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure/ HealthyEatingfrom Te National Heart Lung and BloodInstitute (the NHLBI) offers in-depth information aboutthe DASH diet plan.

For links to the newsletters and Web sites two sites, checkout the Senior Ministry Healthy Eating and Nutrition Web

page in Members Only.

New Year, Healthier Youby Sister Bonnie Murray and Trish Callahan

Nine Small Diet Changes

that Lead to Big Results

1. Practice portion control

2. Slip more vegetables and fruits into your diet

3. Be mindful as you eat

4. Use caution with snacks

5. Leave 10% of each meal on your plate6. ry an oil pump mister

7. Swap some of your meat for mushrooms

8. Eat only while sitting

9. Swap butter for ripe avocado

from Environmental Nutrition, December 2011 issue


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9/16


Walking the

CSJ JourneySnippets about our three

women presently in the various

stages of formation.

Sarah Heger - Temporary

Profession

I had a Christmas full of playingyrannosaurus rex with my nephewand running through the creek with mygodson in the midst of the prayer of theseason. I am loving the invitation to prayabout what is next for Carondelet CSJs

and religious life. Exciting things in allrealms.

Mary Flick - Novitiate

I appreciated the opportunity to serve onthe Social Justice Coordinator SelectionCommittee. During the holidays I hadthe chance to renew many old and newfriendships, and I especially enjoyedcelebrating Christmas with my local

community, the CCBF Literacy Centerstaff, and the 19th of the Month andmotherhouse communities. I am alwaysgrateful to those sisters who invite me fora meal or a game of cardsor both.

Clare Bass - Candidacy

I hope everyone had a joyful Christmasand new year. I had a wonderful timein Biloxi, Miss., with my family for the

holidays and I am ready for 2012. I havea good feeling the Green Bay Packers willplay the New Orleans Saints at somepoint in the NFL playoffs. If it doeshappen, I am having a gumbo party. Youare welcome to come and watch the gameat my housecall or e-mail me if youwould like to watch the game with us atMagnolia.

CSJs Attend National Catholic Youth Convention

Sisters Linda Markway and Sarah Heger and CSJ Candidate Clare Bassbrought the CSJ charism to 24,000 high school students from throughout

the nation at the National Catholic Youth Convention in Indianapolisin November. Tey presented a CSSJ Federation booth that was quitepopular with its ying the world together in unifying love, neonshoelaces and I Love God temporary tattoos.

op: S. Linda, S.

Sarah and Clare meetand greet students attheir booth.

Left - S. Sarah (thirdfrom left) and Clarejoin in the inflatablefoosball game.

Right: Clareworks the

booth.


10/16


Racial microaggressions are often subtle, well-intentioned,under-the-radar statements and questions that may tendto offend and separate us from one another. Here areexamples of some by U.S. born whites/Caucasians:

Teme:Alien in own land when Asian Americans and

Latino Americans are assumed to be foreign-born.

Microaggression:Where are you from? Where wereyou born? You speak good English. asking the otherperson to teach them words in their native language

Message:You are not American. You are a foreigner.

Teme:Second-class citizen occurs when a whiteperson is given preferential treatment as a consumer overa person of color

Microaggression:Person of color mistaken for a serviceworker. Having a taxi cab pass a person of color and pick

up a white passenger

Message:People of color are servants to whites. Teycouldnt possibly occupy high-status positions. Youare likely to cause trouble and/or travel to a dangerousneighborhood.

Multicultural AwarenessIn order to witness what we ask of the world, we will look for ways to grow in our multicultural identity, acknowledging andconfronting the racism that exists among us. From our Acts of Chapter, Deepening Communion With Each Other

Sue, D. W. et al., Racial microaggressions in everyday life: Implications for clinical practice. American Psychologist, 62, 271-286.

Sunday, March 4 in Holy Family Chapel

Quiet Personal Prayer: 1:00-4:00 p.m.Mass: 4 p.m.

Sisters and associates are invited to leave the noise andhurry of their worlds and enter into the welcoming silenceand beauty of Holy Family Chapel for an afternoon ofreflection on Sunday, March 4. Te quiet hours of personalprayer will be from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and will close with aMass at 4 p.m.

Tis newest invitation is actually a return to Recollection

Sunday, a long-standing community tradition. It is beingextended by the Holy Family Chapel Wisdom Circle, whichemerged during the 2011 Assembly. At last Mays assembly,the question surfaced about the use the motherhousechapel. Since October, HFC Wisdom Circle members haveconsidered the 1999 mission statement of the chapel thatrefers to the chapel as the sacred gathering space of theCommunity of St. Joseph [which] embodies our historyand reflects our spirituality. Circle members have surfacedseveral possibilities, but a monthly day of recollection metwith general approval.

Such a day of recollection is uncommon todaythere will

be no presenters, no music, no meals. It is an invitation toreturn to one of this communitys most sacred spaces and togather in contemplative prayer with the Community of St.Joseph on the first Sunday of the month.

And while the Holy Family Chapel may not be accessible tothose at a distance, the invitation to gather for an afternoonof quiet prayer on the first Sunday of the month is open toall. Community members outside the St. Louis area mightconsider gathering for prayer in a sacred space in their ownlocale.

Recollection Sundays are also planned for April 1 andMay 6.

For more information, contact Mary Kay Christian,community liturgist, or S. Helen Flemington, interim chairof the HFC Wisdom Circle.

Carondelet Chronicles

Recollection Sundays to be held at the Motherhouseby the Holy Family Chapel Wisdom Circle


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Liturg y

Source and Summitby Associate Mary Kay Christian

Liturgy Calendar

January

18 Midday Prayer, 11:45 a.m.


29 Kingsbury EnsembleConcert, 2 p.m.

February

1 Midday Prayer, 11:45 p.m.8 Midday Prayer, 11:45 a.m.


19 Associate Initial Commitment

22 Ash Wednesday MiddayPrayer, 11:45 p.m.

29 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.

OCCUPY...Any time people come together forjust about any purpose, I cant stayaway. Parades, street parties, ballgames, theater in the park, farmersmarketsyou name it, Im there. Icant help myself, Im a people person.I dont know if going to the zoo isfun because of the opportunity towatch the animals or because of allthe people who come to watch the

animals. So, when I read about peoplegathering in Kiener Plaza to OccupySt. Louis, I had to check it out. Andwhat I found did not disappoint.People of every age, ethnicity andsocial strata had gathered for a singlepurpose. Tey gathered in search ofsocial justice.

Many have asked, what does theOccupy Movement stand for? What

is its message? What I found wasdiversity of thought, values andpurpose. But one underlying premisebound this unlikely collection ofpeople togetherjustice. Each personI met had encountered injustice andaffronts to individual human dignityat some level in their lives or in thelives of those around them. Eachperson came, not to retaliate in kind,but to give voice to the voicelessand to remind our community andthe country that democracy is not aspectator sport. Democracy can onlysucceed as a political process wheneach and every persons voice is heardand counted.

Te birthday of Martin LutherKing, Jr. helps us to remember theunbreakable link between faith and

justice. Dr. King taught us to speak outon behalf of justice and equality evenin the face of ridicule and retaliation.Te Occupiers may seem annoyingand extreme to many, but isnt thatalways the role of the prophet? Johnthe Baptist looked like a guy whoneeded to stop ranting and raving andtake a bath, too! Prophets talk aboutthat which the powerful and the prettywill not. Tey force us to face issues of

truth and justice that get in the way ofthose of wealth, power and prestige.

You may be asking, what does thishave to do with liturgy, or prayer orCommunion with the Church? In thatragtag collection of souls gathered inprotest, I found a profound experienceof ritual and spiritual communion. Ifound a microcosm of church in themiddle of downtown St. Louis. People

gathered from the city and ruralMissouri, from comfortable suburbsand homeless shelters. People seekingno personal gain, only unity in humanrelationship and hope for all to enjoy apeaceful, equitable and just world.

And so, can we strive to occupyour schools, our churches and ourtown squares? Isnt it Christs greatcommission to go out to the worldand make it better? Can we take thewords and deeds of Dr. Martin LutherKing, Jr. to heart and act upon them?As he taught us, We must learn to livetogether as brothers [and sisters] orperish together as fools.

Peace!

I can be reached best by phone from 9a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday. If I amaway from my desk or in a meeting,please leave a voice mail message. All

calls and e-mails will be returned within24 hours.


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13/16


Meeting O ur Anc e stors

Profile of an Early Sister Who

Died in the Month of January

Sister Mary Tomas Houlihan (Ellen) died in ourcommunity at Ste. Genevieve, Missouri at 3 oclock in themorning of Wednesday, January 20, 1869, aged twenty-seven years, professed six years. Te cholera of 1849deprived Sister Mary Tomas of the protection of herparents, both of whom died on the same day, leaving threeorphans, of whom she was the eldest, and in a few daysthe only surviving one. She was then seven years old and,almost unconscious of her first grief, was placed by heruncle under the care of the Sisters in St. Vincents Parish,St. Louis.

As a child she was quiet, docile and of promising talent. Shespecially manifested a taste for music and took great delightin singing hymns to the Blessed Virgin. It was evident fromthe tone of her voice on these occasions that her heartwas not taking an earthy bias. Her gentle and unobtrusivemanner shrank from contact with the world. Her uncle,who was her guardian, would have her to live with his

family, but she prevailed with him to allow her to reside as aboarder in the Academy at Carondelet for one year, duringwhich year she decided on entering the novitiate.

During her novitiate she was remarkable for a tenderdevotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to HisImmaculate Mother. After her profession she was sent toteach music in the Academy under the direction of oursisters at Ste. Genevieve where she endeared herself to all byher virtues and amiability. Always patient, meek and gentleshe continued to edify them when no longer able to attend

to any duty. Her disease was pulmonary consumption fromwhich she suffered more or less for nearly five years.

Her death which was long expected found her waiting withcalm endurance and her death struggle was literally a goingto sleep in the Lord. [From the Necrology Book]

Sister Mary Tomas (Ellen) was born in 1842 to Bridgetand Patrick Houlihan. She entered the community onJanuary 29, 1860 and received the habit on July 24,1860. She professed her vows on March 19, 1863. Her

only mission was to teach music at St. Francis Academyin Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. She is buried in Valle SpringCemetery in Ste. Genevieve.

Sister Mary Tomas Houlihans grave stone in ValleSpring Cemetery. Te remains of the four sisters inthis grave were exhumed from the old cemetery andreinterred in Valle Spring.


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CSJ Spirituality

What is the Eucharistic Letter?Te Eucharistic Letter was written byFather Medaille to a Sister of St. Joseph.His words tell us what it means to be aSister of St. Joseph and what we are calledto be and to do.

How has this letter spoken to you onyour journey as a Sister of St. Joseph?I first read the letter in 1971 when I wasa young Sister of St. Joseph teaching at

Fontbonne College. I remember talkingto Sister John Marie Riley who said thatthis letter was the heart of our charism.All these years later, from a different stageof life, I wanted to reread the letter andexplore the meaning it would bring to metoday.

What gave you the idea to offer a retreaton the Eucharistic Letter?In 2009 I went on a pilgrimage to France,

led by Sister Edna McKeever, CSJ, whowas the archivist for the Brentwood sistersat the time. (She continues to work in thearchives offi ce in Brentwood and has beenassigned to professionalize the archives inLe Puy, France.)

Sister Edna's presentations brought thehistory and spirit of the Sisters of St.

Joseph alive, so when she mentioned thatshe had given retreats on the EucharisticLetter in Brentwood and Baden, I invitedher to St. Louis to share her gifts with ourprovince.

ell us about the retreat Sister Edna willbe presenting.Te retreat is a contemplative, silent retreatfor sisters and associates who would liketo ponder anew the depths of our charism

and its meaning for us in todays world.

Te retreat begins Sunday, June 10 at3:30 p.m. and ends Saturday, June 16 at1 p.m. Tere will be two presentationseach day and there will be opportunityfor quiet and reflection. Sister Ednaencourages participants to make theretreat from beginning to end becauseevery presentation builds upon anotherpresentation.

Having the retreat at our motherhouseis a way of bringing Father Medaillesmessage home to us, as well as spreadinghis message wherever we live and minister.I hope that we register a good number ofparticipants living outside of St. Louis soFr. Medailles message can be spread tomore corners of the world.

Retreat on the Eucharistic LetterSister Margaret Guzzardo shares the details about the

upcoming Eucharistic Letter Retreat for sisters and associates.

Comments from participants of previous retreats in Brentwood and Los Angeles:

Tis was a week to remember, and a week to live in on-going prayer and meditation for years tocome. Each day was a discovery of Gods love and our call to holiness, through the inspiring andcarefully honed presentations. Te presenter, imbued with Father Medailles writings and intentions,helped us discover our own mystic hearts. All became familiar and began to resonate deep within.

Tis retreat provided me with the insights, input, silence, solitude, and experience of community thamy heart needed. I am grateful for the opportunity to be re-rooted in Gods great love.

the letter brings our charism into such deep focus. It is no small thing I carry home with me.

The EucharisticLetter: Exploring

the Charism Today

What:A Contemplative SilentRetreat presented bySister Edna McKeever,

CSJ (Brentwood)

When:June 10-16

Where:

CarondeletMotherhouse

Who:Sisters and Associates

Registration

Coming soon

Questions?

Contact S. MargaretGuzzardo at

314-348-2756 or

[email protected].

Guzzardo


15/16


December

2 S. Claire Frances Fitzgerald, (A)

3 Clifford Sassenrath, father ofAssociate Sharon Sassenrath

7 Mary Alice Rogers, sister ofS. Rita McCormick

9 Helen Anne Walterscheid, sisterof S. Eleanor OHearn

17 Leonard Aubuchon, brother ofS. Mary Loran Aubuchon

18 S. Patrick Nichols (SP)

S. Loretta Maloof (A)

19 S. Mary Anne Smith

22 S. Kathleen Marie Shields (SP)

23 S. Mary Denis Curran

S. Philip Maria Coffey (A)

S. Patricia Coyne (A)

24 S. Helen Lentz (member of newCongregation of St. Joseph)

S. Ann Irene Wackenheim,CPPS, sister of the late S. AnneBernadine Wackenheim

25 S. Joseph Adele Edwards (LA)

26 S. Colette Marie Doering

29 Ida Massman, sister-in-law ofS. Christine Massman

Rest in PeaceMeet Van FarringtonBookkeeper/Personnel Administrator

Face of the Motherhouse

How long have you worked at

the motherhouse and whatdoes your job entail?

I am in my fourth month and amresponsible for the payment ofall motherhouse vendor invoices,billing of hospitality invoices, salaryreimbursements, and any othercustomer billing and management ofbanking and financial reporting. I amalso responsible for all motherhouseand provincial payroll and benefits

administration.Tell us about your family.

Ive been widowed for four years after25 years of marriage. I live with mydaughter and best friend, Sydney, herhusband, Carvon, and kids RaSchaeand Rayvon. I lost my son to violence16 years ago. His children, Gericaand Richard, add to my pleasure ofbeing Nana. I also have a canine

companion, Lexi.My hobbies are...

Hard work. I am an accomplishedseamstress and have been sewing as farback as I can remember. My mom wasa seamstress and I was always gluedto her elbow. I had the best dressedBarbie doll on the block. My secondpassion is gardening. I praise the Lordout in the yard.

I love what I call, becoming one with

nature. If I could have my way, Id bein my garden from sun up to sun downand beyond.

It would surprise people to

learn...

I wanted to be nun. When I was asenior in high school I met my firsthusband and told him this was myaspiration. He said, You can be mynun. Tat was the end of that.

I enjoy working for/with the

CSJs because

Working at the motherhouse makesme feel as if my life has come fullcircle. Having attended Catholicschools and churches all my life I feela reverence and comfort that I cantquite articulate. I feel an unexplainablepeace here that Ive never felt at anyother job.

My fondest memory of working

at the motherhouse is...

I dont know if I have a fondestmemory yet because Im still makingnew ones. I look forward to coming towork each and every day. Te sisters,staff and all my co-workers have andcontinue to make me feel so welcomed.Tis is so much more than just a job

to me, it is a prayer answered, a

spiritual awakening, a remarkableand historic atmosphere to work inand the opportunity to be part of aloving and servicing community.

Pictured: Van with hergrandbabies (l-r, clockwise)RaSchae, Van, Rayvon, Gericaand Richard.


16/16

LEADERSHIP CALENDAR

To subscribe to the e-mail version of PNN, contactSue Narrow at 314-678-0333 or [email protected].

January

5 Ecological Committee (HF)6-7 Leadership Meetings (PL)9 Agenda Committee Meeting(HF)10 Fontbonne Committee Mtg. (SW)

11 NLC Membership Mtg. (SW)11 NLC Meeting w/ Sisters (PC, PG, HF, JM, SW)12 SJI Board Mtg. (JM)12 Marian Middle School Board Mtg. (PC)13 Retreat at Carondelet (PC, PG, HF)14 Kansas City CSJ/A Retreat, St. Teresas

Academy (PC)15-20 LCWR Retreat (JM)16 Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday-Office Closed18 STA Board Meeting (PC)18 NLC Meeting w/ Sisters (SW)

18-19 STA Open House, KC (PC, PG, HF)19 Women in Transition Board Mtg. (SW)19 NLC Public Mtg. (SW)20 Fontbonne Committee Mtg. (HF)21 Feuerbacher Grant Selection Mtg. (PC)21 Fontbonne University Board Mtg. (HF, SW)23 SJA Board Mtg. (PG)28 English Tutoring Project Long-Range

Planning (PC, HF)29 Kingsbury Ensemble Concert at Carondelet

(PC, PG, HF, JM, SW)

February

2 Ecological Committee Mtg. (HF)2 Dedication, St. Teresas Chapel, KC (PC)9 Avila Board Dinner (PC)10 Avila Board Mtg. (PC)12-13 Spirituality Mtg. (PG)15 ETP Mtg. (HF)16-20 CLG Mtg., Los Angeles (PC, PG, HF)19 Associate Commitment Ceremony (JM)20 Presidents Day Holiday-Office Closed

22 Investment Mngrs. Mtg.(PC, PG, HF, JM, SW)22 Dept. Head Mtg. (PC, PG, HF)24-25 Leadership Mtgs. (PL)

PROVINCE CALENDAR

January

27-28 Fontbonne University Alumni Spirituality Event

29 Kingsbury Ensemble Concert

February

19 Mardi Gras and Associate Commitments

March

3-4 Spring Sectionals4 Kansas City Society of Benefactors Reception,

Kansas City, MO10-11 Spring Sectionals17 60th Jubilee Celebration25 175th Anniversary Closing Mass

April

21 Linger Over Breakfast27 Generosity of Joseph Honors Gala

For more event listings and details, visit our

Members Only Calendar of Events at www.csjsl.org.

NEXT ISSUE: February/March PNN

Submission Deadline: February 15

Publication Date: March 1

For a complete PNN schedule, visit Members Only at www.csjsl.org.

Questions? Comments?

We want your feedback!

E-mail questions, comments and/or suggestions

about the PNNto Sarah Baker at [email protected].

All events are at the Carondelet Motherhouse

unless otherwise noted

175th Anniversary Closing MassJoin us as we bring our 175th anniversary celebration

to a close with Mass, music and prayer.

Sunday, March 25 2:00 p.m.Carondelet Motherhouse

Reception to follow

RSVP by March 15 to 314-481-8800 or

[email protected]

province news notes january 2012

Documents